Precise brain stimulation to ease depression symptoms
Probing the Functional and Behavioral Impact of Precision Circuit Modulation in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Using brain scans to guide targeted magnetic brain stimulation aimed at reducing low mood and loss of pleasure in people with depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a brain scan to map your individual brain networks, and researchers will use that map to pick several precise spots in your prefrontal cortex for stimulation. On separate days you would receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to each target, with multiple brief stimulations per visit. Before and after each stimulation they will take resting and task-based MRI scans and measure behavior and mood to see which circuit changes link to specific symptoms. The within-subject design means each participant gets stimulation at different target locations so researchers can compare effects across circuits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with major depressive disorder, especially those struggling with persistent low mood or loss of pleasure and who can safely undergo MRI and rTMS, are the best fit for participation.
Not a fit: People without depression, those with contraindications to MRI or rTMS (for example certain implanted metal, a history of seizures), or those whose primary problem is a different psychiatric or neurological disorder may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized rTMS treatments that target the brain circuits causing specific depressive symptoms, potentially improving outcomes for people who don't fully respond to current care.
How similar studies have performed: rTMS is an approved treatment for depression and prior studies suggest targeting different brain circuits can affect symptoms, but clear mechanistic links between specific circuits and specific symptoms remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eldaief, Mark Christian — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Eldaief, Mark Christian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.